What can you do with an advanced degree in Adult-Gerontology Nursing?
As an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner, you will focus your attention and expertise on providing care and educating patients who are dealing with complex and chronic illnesses, such as heart disease, obesity, high blood pressure and Alzheimer’s disease. You will diagnose and develop treatment plans to manage patient conditions.
At Duquesne University, our online MSN with a track in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care provides you with the training and education you need to ensure you understand your patients’ acute health care needs and have the tools to properly assess and educate them on their treatment options.
What does an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner do?
Patients across the adult life stages can depend on their adult-gerontology nurse practitioner to provide the care required to cope with the various physical, mental and social effects of aging. As an adult-gerontological acute care nurse practitioner, you will work with patients who have complex chronic illnesses and provide preventive care to those who may be at risk of developing critical and complex diseases.
Adult-gerontology nurse practitioners are responsible for:
- Promoting safety and health risk reduction to adults of all ages
- Conducting health assessments and creating treatment plans for adult patients
- Collaborating with a larger medical team of physicians, nurses and other health care staff
- Assessing symptoms and prescribing medication or additional specialist treatment to aid in health management
- Educating patients and their families on disease management and other preventive aspects of their health
What’s the career outlook for advanced practice adult-gerontology nurses?
- High Job Growth. The demand for nurse practitioners as a whole is projected to grow 26% from 2018 to 2028, much faster than the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Greatest Earning Potential. According to a 2019 Medscape APRN Compensation Report, adult-gerontology acute care NPs were tied in the #1 spot for highest income at $114,000.
- Increased Demand. As the baby boomer generation ages and individuals continue to live longer, the need for nurse practitioners who are experts in gerontological care will grow stronger.
Where can your career path as an adult-gerontology acute care nurse practitioner take you?
Working as an adult-gerontology nurse practitioner can provide you with many new career opportunities. When you pursue your MSN in Adult-Gerontology Acute Care, you may work in one of the following settings:
Intensive Care Units
As an adult-gerontology NP in an intensive care unit you will be responsible for evaluating lab tests and other diagnostic exams to assess your patients’ immediate health care needs. You’ll collaborate with nurses and other medical staff through daily rounds to assist with treatment plans and discharge planning.
Emergency Departments
Working in an emergency department as an adult-gerontology NP will require you to think quickly and react accordingly as part of an emergent treatment team. You will ensure the proper diagnosis, treatment and management of illnesses and injuries as they relate to adult patients.
Inpatient Facilities
Adult-gerontology NPs working in inpatient centers are responsible for providing pre- and post-operative care after surgical procedures. Nurse practitioners working in these facilities will consult with patients with chronic issues, such as cardiac, neurological or coronary problems, prior to and after acute events to ensure they’re on the correct treatment plan.
Nursing Homes
Working in a nursing home as a geriatric nurse practitioner gives you the ability to assess health in short- and long-term patients, address concerns and recommend treatment plans. You may also be responsible for performing physical exams, reviewing medical histories, and prescribing and administering medication.